Lac Extract – a red dye extract from the scale insectLaccifer lacca and can found throughout India, south east Asia, Nepal and south China. It is harvested from both wild and cultivated means. The female lac insects invade host trees and secretes a resin that contains the red dye. The resin is harvested and taken off the branches and is known as stick lac. The resin contains both shellac and dye. The dye is extracted from the resin and the remaining shellac is further refined into other products. The colors are similar to cochineal but softer and warmer in appearance.

Dye Amount: 5-8% WOF

Color: crimsons, burgundy reds and deep purples

Light fastness: High

Wash fastness: High

Mordant

Alum mordant at 15% WOF for protein fibers

Alum mordant at 8% WOF for cellulose fibers

Tannin mordant at 8% WOF and then alum at 15% WOF, or alum acetate at 8% WOF

Dyeing: Dissolve extract in water and simmer with fiber for 45-60 minutes. For the richest colors, leave the dye pot to soak over night. Lac dye is very sensitive to change in pH and develops to its fullest color potential with the addition of cream of tartar at 6% WOF. For plum purples, add an alkali such as cream of tarter. For blackened purples, add ferrous sulfate.

Consists of the wood from the osage-orange tree(Maclura pomifera).Osage contains a yellow dye similar to fustic and black oak and yields clear, true yellows to soft yellow greens. Osage grows throughout the south and central United States.

Dye Amount: 2-5% WOF Extract, 20-30% WOF chips or saw dust

Color: True to soft yellows

Light fastness: Excellent

Wash fastness: Excellent

Mordant

Alum mordant at 15% WOF for protein fibers

Tannin mordant at 8% WOF for cellulose fibers and then alum at 15% WOF, or alum acetate at 8% WOF

Dyeing:

Chips or saw dust: Cover the chips or saw dust with boiling water and let soak overnight. Remove the chips/dust, add addition water to cover fiber and simmer at around 170 degrees but not more than 180 degrees for an hour. For Rich colors, leave the fibers to soak overnight.

Extract: Mix the extract in a small container of hot but not boiling water. Once thoroughly mixed, add to the dye bath and simmer for 45 minutes. For rich colors, allow the dye bath to cool overnight.